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Nourishment



I have been reflecting on the gift of Nourishment that living in Japan has given me.

Rarely have I been very hungry over the last two years. Or thirsty. Or in lack of a home appliance.  

Vending machines full of varying temperatures of beverages. Convenient stores stocked with healthy snacks. 100 yen shops with home appliances for the price of a dollar. Affordable restaurants to satisfy dinner desires. Whatever I have needed, I have been able to find it. Here in Japan.

Thankful that this society has taken care of my basic needs and then some.

It planted the question. How can I nourish myself so I can give the best version of myself to other people?  

More than just eating fruits and vegetables.

What if to be truly nourished, not just physically, but mentally nourished as well, one must embrace the mix of challenging and easy tasks in a day.  Sort of like a mental work-out. Both exhausting work and refreshing serenity. Not shying away from the difficulty and not rushing through the calmness.

Perhaps, this sort of mental acrobatics is needed to nourish the mind. To give it a real mental challenge, followed by a real reward of peace.  A brain-exercise that once completed, makes you stronger. This, maybe, is true nourishment.

Now, Japan is not an oasis with magical powers. It remains a flawed country with complex people, just like everywhere else in the world. 

Although, after reflecting, it is clearly a place that has nourished me.

J.S



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